Anger: Symptoms, Causes & Proven Treatments in Limerick, Cork, Adare, Midleton, Youghal & Dungarvan — and Online Anger Help in Ireland
If anger, irritability, or rage are disrupting your relationships, work, sleep, driving, or health, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck. As a Registered Nutritionist, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Counsellor & Psychotherapist, I provide evidence-based support online and in-person in Adare, Newcastle West (Limerick), Midleton, Youghal, Cork and Dungarvan to help you regain calm, communicate clearly, and reduce the physical and emotional toll of chronic anger.
Contact Claire Russell Therapy today to discuss how we can help with Mood Issues, Hormonal Issues Anger and much more!
What is anger?
Anger is a normal emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, hurt, or boundary violations. Your body prepares itself for action (the classic stress response), which can feel like a racing heart, quickened breathing, tense muscles, and a surge of energy. The feeling itself isn’t “good” or “bad”—it’s how we manage and express it that determines outcomes for our health and relationships. (nhs.uk)
Why can anger sometimes feel “good”?
Briefly, anger can create a sense of relief or power within you, because the body’s stress chemistry changes quickly. Remarkably, swearing during pain tests increased the pain tolerance and reduced the perceived pain in controlled experiments—thought to reflect that same stress response kicking in. This doesn’t mean anger (or swearing) is a long-term solution; it simply explains why it can feel momentarily relieving. (PubMed, PMC)
Primary vs secondary emotions
You may mostly feel anger as a primary emotion (a fast, protective response), or as a secondary emotion masking something more vulnerable—like hurt, fear, shame, grief, rejection, or betrayal (e.g., family betrayal, sibling betrayal, spouse betrayal, employer betrayal). Working out what anger is protecting helps you respond more skilfully and get what you actually need (safety, clarity, respect, repair).
Types of anger (and what they look like day-to-day)
- Annoyance: sharp, fleeting frustration at small provocations (queue-jumping, noise, lateness).
- Moral outrage: anger at injustice; it can motivate positive change when channelled constructively (without slipping into contempt or revenge).
- Assertive anger: clear, confident boundary-setting without shaming or intimidating others—this is the healthy benchmark.
- Passive anger: denying you’re angry while sulking, stonewalling, or using sarcasm.
- Aggressive anger: shouting, swearing, bullying, insulting, accusing; or turning it inward via isolation, self-criticism, shame, and neglect.
- Rage / uncontrolled anger: losing control, destructive behaviour, violence or assault risk—this is never a safe or acceptable outlet.
Common signs & symptoms people search for
Emotional/behavioural: snapping or shouting; swearing; road rage; arguments at home or work; relationship conflict; jealousy; parenting/mum-rage; resentment; silent treatment; stonewalling; sulking; revenge fantasies; compulsive scrolling/doom-spiralling; self-harm thoughts; punching walls; breaking things; confrontations with neighbours/colleagues; workplace anger; anger after betrayal (family, sibling, spouse, employer).
Physical: tight jaw/grinding teeth; headaches; chest tightness; stomach churn/IBS flares; hot flashes; tremor; sweating; pressure behind the eyes; insomnia; post-argument exhaustion. (nhs.uk)
Health risks of chronic anger (what the research shows)
- Heart & blood vessels: Higher anger/hostility is linked with future coronary heart disease and worse outcomes in existing heart disease; outbursts of anger briefly raise the short-term risk of heart attack and stroke. (PubMed)
- Road safety: Higher driving anger is associated with riskier driving and crash/near-crash outcomes. (PMC)
- Metabolic health: Certain anger traits show small links with later type 2 diabetes (adiposity plays a role). (ScienceDirect)
- Lifestyle strain: Anger is associated with unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking, excess alcohol, ultra-processed snacking), amplifying health risks. (PMC)
- Sleep & mood: Sleep loss (even mild) increases negative mood states and undermines emotion regulation, which can make anger harder to control. (PMC)
When frequent anger may signal another condition
Persistent, disproportionate anger can accompany (or mask) other treatable conditions:
- Anxiety disorders (on-edge, hypervigilant, irritable). (nhs.uk)
- Grief/bereavement (anger is a common reaction). (nhs.uk)
- Depression (especially irritability). (PMC)
- ADHD (adults & teens) (low frustration tolerance, quick temper). (nhs.uk, NHS inform)
- PTSD (irritability/anger outbursts in hyperarousal). (NICE, PTSD.gov)
- OCD (anger/aggressiveness or anger attacks in a subset). (PMC)
- Bipolar spectrum (irritability/anger in elevated or mixed states). (nhs.uk)
- ODD (children/teens) (frequent temper loss, argumentative/defiant). (Mayo Clinic)
- Personality disorders (e.g., BPD often features difficulty controlling anger). (nhs.uk)
Evidence-based ways to manage anger (without venting)
Key idea: Activities that reduce arousal (calming the nervous system) work better for anger than arousal-increasing “venting”.
- Paced breathing & body down-regulation: Slow, regular breathing boosts parasympathetic tone and steadies physiology; HRV biofeedback helps many people regulate emotional reactivity. (PMC, ScienceDirect, SAGE Journals)
- Cognitive & behavioural skills (CBT): Well-supported for anger—helps you spot triggers, challenge rigid “shoulds”, and rehearse assertive communication. (PubMed, SpringerLink, PMC)
- Sleep, routine, and boundaries: Protecting sleep and reducing caffeine/alcohol late in the day improves irritability control and decision-making under stress. (PMC)
- Nutrition for steadier energy/mood: See “Registered Nutritionist” section below for evidence on omega-3s and dietary patterns that support mood and reduce aggression/irritability. (PubMed, BioMed Central)
How my services help
Counselling for Anger — Limerick, Cork, Adare, Midleton, Youghal, Dungarvan & Online
Common searches: anger counselling near me, anger issues in relationships, how to stop shouting at my partner/children, coping with spouse betrayal anger, workplace anger help, road rage therapy Limerick/Cork.
What we do: Map triggers (events, thoughts, bodily cues), build assertive communication (not aggressive or avoidant), practise de-escalation at home and at work, and create a plan for family betrayal, sibling betrayal, spouse betrayal, employer betrayal fallout. Counselling provides a safe, structured space to reduce reactivity, improve listening, and rebuild trust.
Psychotherapy for Persistent Irritability & Rage — In-Clinic Limerick, Cork & ONLINE Anger therapy
Common searches: anger management therapy Ireland, psychotherapy for anger, uncontrolled anger help, why am I so angry all the time?
What we do: Evidence-based psychotherapy (including CBT-informed anger protocols) changes the beliefs and patterns that keep anger looping—perfectionism, black-and-white thinking, unfairness sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and learned responses from earlier relationships. This approach has moderate, reliable effects for anger reduction across studies. (PubMed, PMC)
Hypnotherapy for Anger, Reactions & Triggers — Cork, Limerick & Online Anger & Mood issues
Common searches: hypnotherapy for anger control, stop overreacting hypnosis, calm driving hypnosis, reduce swearing/shouting.
What we do: Clinical hypnotherapy uses focused attention and tailored suggestions to lower arousal quickly, enhance self-control, and reinforce the calmer responses you choose in counselling/psychotherapy. When combined with CBT, adding hypnosis can enhance outcomes for many goals (based on meta-analyses). (PubMed)
Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy — For Health Factors That Fuel Anger
Common searches: anger from pain and poor sleep, medical hypnotherapy Ireland, IBS flares and irritability, procedure anxiety & anger outbursts.
What we do: Where medical issues (pain, GI symptoms, sleep disruption) amplify irritability, we can use structured, evidence-informed clinical hypnosis alongside your medical care to reduce pain distress and procedure anxiety—both of which can lower day-to-day reactivity. Reviews show adjunctive hypnosis can improve several somatic and mental outcomes. (PMC)
Hypnosis/hypnotherapy is recognised and described by the Royal College of Psychiatrists; I practise within professional guidelines. (www.rcpsych.ac.uk)
Clinical Hypnotherapy — Rapid Skills for Calmer Daily Life
Common searches: quick anger reset, stop snapping at loved ones, sleep better to reduce irritability.
What we do: Short, targeted sessions rehearse triggers (driving, bedtime, difficult meetings) while you practise calming responses. We reinforce skills you’ve learned in counselling/psychotherapy so they show up under pressure.
Registered Nutritionist Support — Food-Mood strategies for Anger & Irritability
Common searches: nutrition for anger, blood sugar and irritability, omega-3 and aggression, diet to reduce mood swings.
What we do:
- Stabilise blood sugar (regular meals; fibre, protein, and smart carbs) to reduce the irritability dips tied to glucose swings. Observational and small clinical datasets suggest glycaemic variability relates to worse mood/anger; improving diet quality helps depression symptoms, which often travel with irritability. (PMC, BioMed Central)
- Omega-3s (EPA/DHA): Meta-analyses show small-to-moderate reductions in aggression after omega-3 supplementation across ages. We can review your diet and—if appropriate—coordinate with your GP re: supplementation. (PubMed)
- Caffeine/alcohol timing: Adjusting dose and timing (especially after lunch/evening) reduces sleep-fragmentation-driven irritability. (PMC)
Location keywords to help you find support for Anger fast
Anger counselling Limerick • Anger therapy Cork • Anger management Adare • Hypnotherapy for anger Midleton • Psychotherapy for anger Youghal • Clinical hypnotherapy Dungarvan • Online anger therapy Ireland, UK, UAE, Australia, USA
FAQs
Is anger always bad?
No. It’s a protective signal. The goal isn’t to suppress anger, but to express it assertively and proportionately, without harming relationships or health. (nhs.uk)
Why do I explode over small things?
Often there’s a build-up of stress, sleep loss, or unmet needs, and a “last straw” tips you over. Skills that reduce arousal (paced breathing/HRV biofeedback) plus CBT tools for thoughts and boundaries are particularly useful. (PMC, ScienceDirect, PubMed)
Is “venting” useful?
Short-term it can feel good, but it usually keeps arousal high. Calming strategies and structured communication outperform unstructured venting for anger reduction. (PubMed)
Could my anger be linked to grief, ADHD, PTSD, OCD or bipolar?
Yes—these conditions commonly involve irritability/anger. Assessment helps target the right treatment pathway. (nhs.uk, NICE, PMC)
Ready to feel calmer and in control?
I offer ONLINE sessions and in-person appointments in Adare, Newcastle West (Limerick), Midleton, Youghal, Cork and Dungarvan. Appointments are available for individuals and couples.
Book a Consultation Now
Personalised support with Counselling • Psychotherapy • Hypnotherapy • Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy • Clinical Hypnotherapy • Registered Nutritionist services.
Start today—your first step towards calmer days and clearer communication.
References (scientific & academic — with full links)
- Stephens R, Atkins J, Kingston A. Swearing as a response to pain. NeuroReport. 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19590391/
- Stephens R, Robertson O, Sooledaran R, et al. Swearing as a Response to Pain: Assessing Hypoalgesic Effects of Novel “Swear” Words. Psychol Conscious (Wash D C). 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7204505/
- NHS. Get help with anger. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anger/
- Chida Y, Steptoe A. The association of anger and hostility with future coronary heart disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281923/
- Mostofsky E, et al. Outbursts of anger as a trigger of acute cardiovascular events. Eur Heart J. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24591550/
- Davidson KW, et al. Anger Expression and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease. Psychosom Med. 2010. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2831051/
- Zhang T, et al. Driving Anger, Aberrant Driving Behaviors, and Road Safety Outcomes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6388110/
- Saini M. A meta-analysis of the psychological treatment of anger. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20018996/
- Beck R, Fernandez E. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Anger: A Meta-Analysis. Cogn Ther Res. 1998. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A%3A1018763902991
- Hofmann SG, et al. The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognit Ther Res. 2012. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3584580/
- SAMHSA. Anger Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Clients — Participant Workbook (updated). https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/anger_management_manual_508_compliant.pdf
- Zaccaro A, et al. How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6137615/
- Lin I-M, et al. Randomized controlled trial of HRV biofeedback in CAD: decreasing hostility. Behav Res Ther. 2015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796715000765
- Kim S, et al. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Mental Health: A Review. Perspect Behav Sci. 2023. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/23727322221144647
- Tomaso CC, et al. Sleep deprivation/restriction and mood: meta-analyses. Sleep Med Rev. 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8193556/
- NICE. Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116
- NHS. ADHD in adults. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
- NHS. Borderline personality disorder — symptoms. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms/
- Cludius B, et al. Anger and aggressiveness in OCD. J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord. 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8354876/
- Mayo Clinic. Oppositional defiant disorder — symptoms & causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oppositional-defiant-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20375831
- Koposov R, et al. Bulimia symptoms and anger/aggression. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10161674/
- Staicu ML, Cutov M. Anger and health risk behaviors (review). J Med Life. 2010. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3019061/
- Golden SH, et al. Anger temperament & type 2 diabetes risk (ARIC). Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2006. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453005001861
- Raine A, et al. Omega-3 supplementation reduces aggressive behavior: meta-analysis. Aggress Violent Behav. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38911617/
- Jacka FN, et al. SMILES trial: dietary improvement for depression. BMC Med. 2017. https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anger Management
- Anjanappa, S. (2020). Anger Management in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice.
https://journals.lww.com/iopn/fulltext/2020/17010/anger_management_in_adolescents__a_systematic.10.aspx - Sukhodolsky, D. G., et al. (2016). Behavioral Interventions for Anger, Irritability, and Aggression in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4808268/ - Kjærvik, S. L., et al. (2024). A Meta-Analytic Review of Anger Management Activities That Decrease or Increase Arousal. Journal of Clinical Psychology.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735824000357 - Anjanappa, S. (2020). Anger Management in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice.
https://journals.lww.com/iopn/fulltext/2020/17010/anger_management_in_adolescents__a_systematic.10.aspx - Zirkelbach, A. L. (2003). Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Anger Management for Children and Adolescents. University of Northern Iowa.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2824&context=grp
Clinical Hypnotherapy for Anger Management
- Rosendahl, J., et al. (2024). Meta-Analytic Evidence on the Efficacy of Hypnosis for Mental Health Disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10807512/ - Delestre, F., et al. (2022). Hypnosis Reduces Food Impulsivity in Patients with Obesity. Physiology & Behavior.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000291652200288X - Leo, D. G., et al. (2024). “Close Your Eyes and Relax”: The Role of Hypnosis in Treating Anxiety and Cardiovascular Health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11258040/ - Peter, B. (2024). Hypnosis in Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics, and Medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11040694/ - Roslim, N. A., et al. (2021). Review: Hypnotherapy for Overweight and Obese Patients.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496420301229
Nutrition Therapy and Mental Health
- Firth, J., et al. (2020). Food and Mood: How Do Diet and Nutrition Affect Mental Health?.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7322666/ - Grajek, M., et al. (2022). Nutrition and Mental Health: A Review of Current Knowledge.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9441951/ - Adan, R. H., et al. (2019). Nutritional Psychiatry: Towards Improving Mental Health by What You Eat.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X19317237 - Heidari, M., et al. (2023). Influence of Food Type on Human Psychological and Behavioral Responses.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/17/3715 - Sperling, J. (2025). The Powerful Link Between Nutrition and Mental Health. McLean Hospital.
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/nutrition
Psychotherapy Techniques for Anger Management
- Byrne, G. (2024). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anger, Irritability, and Aggression.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15248380231167393 - Kalvin, C. B., et al. (2025). Review: Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Childhood Irritability and Aggression.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949732924000176 - Irwin, L. (2003). Anger Management in the Treatment of Adolescents with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
https://commons.und.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1091&context=ot-grad - Sharp, C., & Flanagan, C. (2012). Anger Management in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
https://journals.lww.com/iopn/fulltext/2020/17010/anger_management_in_adolescents__a_systematic.10.aspx - Sukhodolsky, D. G., et al. (2016). Behavioral Interventions for Anger, Irritability, and Aggression in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4808268/
Additional Anger Resources and Academic Anger Reviews
- Kalvin, C. B., et al. (2025). Review: Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Childhood Irritability and Aggression.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949732924000176 - Kjærvik, S. L., et al. (2024). A Meta-Analytic Review of Anger Management Activities That Decrease or Increase Arousal.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735824000357 - Adan, R. H., et al. (2019). Nutritional Psychiatry: Towards Improving Mental Health by What You Eat.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X19317237 - Peter, B. (2024). Hypnosis in Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics, and Medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11040694/ - Raudino, A., et al. (2024). Anger and Irritability in Children: A Review of Mechanisms and Treatments.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10416723/
Contact Claire Russell Therapy today to discuss how we can help with Mood Issues, Hormonal Issues Anger and much more!
- Anjanappa, S. (2020). Anger Management in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice.
Anger & Mood Issues and Therapy Service areas:
In-person: Adare • Newcastle West (Limerick) • Midleton • Youghal • Cork • Dungarvan
Online: Across Ireland, and internationally (UK, UAE, Australia, USA).
Often searched
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